INTERVIEW WITH RUDY H. GARCIA, CO-AUTHOR OF SHRIMP TALES

Rudy H. Garcia and Pat McGrath Avery wrote a book called Shrimp Tales about the shrimpers in Port Isabel, Texas. It is filled with interesting information on the hardy men and their families who participate in this dangerous occupation.

Red Engine Press interviewed Rudy H. Garcia, one of the book’s writers. Pat McGrath Avery was unavailable. We’ll catch her next time.

Here are Rudy H. Garcia’s answers to our questions.

Rudy, were you ever a shrimper yourself?

Yes, many guys would shrimp during the summer when we were in high school. I also went summers during my college years. I wrote a poem about a cousin of mine and me. You can find it in the book. The title is "Two Boys of Ten."

Who interviewed the shrimpers?

Both Pat Avery & myself, Rudy Garcia.

How did you find the shrimpers to interview?

We called them & set up appointments since they are my lifelong acquaintances. I am a native of the Laguna Madre area in Port Isabel which was the Shrimping Capital of the World.

Who did your book cover?

Our oldest daughter, Risa Eulogia Garcia, is a talented artist and has done all my book covers. I have 3 poetry books published - Life Renewed, Life Renewed Sequel and Two Eagles. She did the lovely cover for Shrimp Tales and now just got Shrimp Tales 2 published so she did that cover as well.

Who did the research on the book? 

We both did. I always proudly told Pat stories about our community & she suggested we collaborate to write these amazing stories. We sat together to make the interviews.  I had to make lots of inquires, phone calls, and visits in some instances to get accurate & factual information. 

What gave you the idea to write about shrimpers?

It's a story that needed to be told because our community has always been the heart of our shrimping industry. This was a livelihood for our community. Many were dedicated to this hard way of life in one way or another. The few that lived to tell their story are numbered and now held in high esteem. Many suffered & lost their lives in the high seas & some unfortunately were never found. This distinct way of life is on the verge of extinction. 

When you are writing where do you write?

I contemplate & write better without interruptions at home.

I love writing while listening to classical golden era Mexican singers.

What time is better for you to write?

I'm a morning person so I enjoy writing in the mornings. I love to listen to the sounds of nature that surround me. We are blessed to have a combination of coastal nature sounds. We wake up to the calls of various birds like doves, migrating birds and seagulls in our area. In rural spots people wake up to the sounds of roosters. We wake up to the peaceful songs of our local birds. 

Do you have other books you have written?

Yes. I have poetry books in Life Renewed, sequel to Life Renewed, Two Eagles and now Shrimp Tales and just published Shrimp Tales 2. I have also collaborated with fellow poets in numerous Anthology books of poetry (Telling Tongues - Tales of the Rio Grande - Voices of El Chicho and others.)

Who edited your book?

 I enjoy writing and my wife Rita, an educator as well, enjoys editing my work. 

Are you working on another book now? If so, mention what you are working on.

We just got Shrimp Tales 2 published with Red Engine Press.

Reviews of both books are coming out soon.